Flowmaster vs. Magnaflow

[Space Cowboy]

I'll soon be replacing my exhaust system on my 68 and want to see what you folks thought about flowmaster vs. magnaflow mufflers. I don't want to start a huge debate or anything, I'm just looking to see which brand has the best sound and performance. I'm after that nice deep rumble sound, so which should I go with and what series?

Thanks All

 

[nutseynut7]

I have flowmasters like the sound a lot better than stock

 

[Eden72Vet]

I put Flowmaster Delta 50's on my '72 with a stock 350 and an H pipe. I really like the sound as it gave it the deep sound. I was going to go with the Delta 40's, but after consultation with the flowmaster tech support, they seemed to indicate the 40's would be too much. I have been around quite a few cars with flowmasters, and they always provide great sounding cars. I wouldn't discount the Magna Flow mufflers either, I just personally don't have much experience with them.

Also, I would call the Flowmaster/Magnaflow tech support hotlines with questions. Sometimes it is hit and miss with helpful technicians, but I have spoke with some really knowledgable people at Flowmaster.

 

[titan81]

Its going to depend alot on your total exhaust system too.
Headers? Cats? Duals? ect... On my 79 TA I had 40 series Flowmasters.
Them where LOUD. 50 series has that 60's grawl to em. Performance wise I think there
about the same.

 

[Hib Halverson]

I've but Flowmasters on two C3s, My 71 BB Cpe, which has 50-series and an 82 CE which has the old-style 40s. Both have that deep, mellow sound in the mid-range and the agressive sound at high-rpm that many Flowmaster customers like. In fact, some call this characteristic the "Flowmaster Sound".

My 71 is kinda loud, more because the engine in the car is pretty radical and the exhaust is 3-in. The 82 is very quiet because its engine is stock and the exhaust sys. still has the cat.

Both my cars mufflers are a bit dated. The 82s Flowmasters are more than 10 years old and the 71s are five years old.

If I had these cars' exhausts to do again, I'd used 50 Series Delta-Flows on both which would make them quieter but still offer similar, and in some cases if very high output engines, greater performance increases.

I believe in the review section, CAC has two reviews of Flowmaster products.

 

[Space Cowboy]

Eden72Vette:

What is an H pipe?

I thought the Flomast Delta 40's were suppose to be quieter than the original 40 series. If there tech support thought the Delta 40's would be too much, I guess they didn't do much to quiet down the original 40 series.

titan81:

Were those Delta 50's?

I'm putting in a 427 cranking about 470-500HP w/ Hooker Super Comp 3". I'm probably going down to 2 1/2" with aluminized pipe back to the muffler.

 

[AdvancedAutoCC]

I sell and install all types of high-performance mufflers and exhaust systems (custom bending is one of my services), and the "right" muffler for one person may not be for the other. Exhaust tone and loudness is VERY subjective in nature. Flowmasters are tinny and aggressive sounding, moreso with the 40 series. Magnaflow mufflers have more of a mellow "burble" type rumble. Both sound very good at WOT. Remember too H and X pipes affect tone and volume as well.
To the poster asking what an H-pipe is, it's an exhaust equalizer pipe that runs between the pipes on a dual exhaust system that equalizes exhaust pulses, typically allowing for an increase in low-end torque. The "H" comes from the appearance of the system looking like a very large "H" with one installed.

I hope this answers your questions.

 

[Bob Chadwick]

Here's what the Delta 50's sound like on a small block with an H pipe. This was before the headers.

 

[Space Cowboy]

Sounds nice bobchad.

I spoke with Flowmaster Tech. Support today, and they suggested Delta 50's with an H-Pipe. I was pretty much leaning that way already with some of you saying your Delta 40's were too much. I want those rice burners to know I'm around, but I don't want to be rude about it Thanks for the all the comments and advice everyone.